Barbeque Fire Safety

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

This time of year most of us enjoy cooking outside. Weather you choose gas or charcoal to cook with, if not you are not careful, both both can cause fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), misuse of grills, hibachis and barbecues will cause an average of 8,900 home fires. The most common injury is thermal burns. According to the NFPA:

1. Gas grills cause almost 9,000 structure and outdoor fires each year in the U.S.
2. An average of more than 18,000 Americans are injured each year by grill fires.
3. 97 percent of grill fires occur between May and August.

There is still plenty of time to enjoy a weekend barbecue or two! Follow the tips below to do so safely.

General Grill Safety

1. Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors. This will minimize the risk of fire and exposure to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
2. Position the grill several feet away from house siding and deck railings. Don’t locate it under eaves and overhanging branches.
3. Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. Keep children and pets from the grill area by creating a three-foot safety zone around the grill.
4. Use long-handled barbecue tools. Wear short sleeves or roll them up when cooking on the grill.
5. Periodically clean out the grease or fat that has built up in trays below the grill.
6. Keep a bucket of water near your grill.

Charcoal Grills

1. Always make sure your grill is clean and free of ash and grease. 
2. Purchase the appropriate starter fluid and store it out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
3. Never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid.
4. Never add charcoal starter fluid after coals or kindling have been ignited.

Propane Gas Grills

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
2. At the start of grilling season, check the burners for clogs, make sure all hoses and connections are secure, and restock the propane if needed.
3. Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A soap and water solution applied to the hose will bubble up to reveal escaping propane. If you detect a leak, turn off the tank and grill. If you can stop the leak, don’t use the grill until you have it serviced by a professional. If the leak won’t stop, call the fire department.
4. If you smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
5. Use only propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 with overfill protection devices (OPD).
6. Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages.

We Are Here For You

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Framingham have specialized training and experience in fire restoration services. Call SERVPRO of Framingham at (508) 370-4400 if fire damage strikes your property. We will make it "Like it never even happened."